Latest news with #nighttimeeconomy
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Sweet dreams: dessert parlours help to revive UK's high streets
Dessert cafes and ice-cream parlours are hoping to play a role in a revival of UK high streets and the night-time economy, as people seek an alternative to going to the pub or an expensive meal out. Their number has soared by almost 700 in the UK in the past decade, according to analysts at Green Street, formerly the Local Data Company, with outlets in places from Aberdeen to Plymouth. The market is thought to be worth more than £500m, including several national chains as well as much-loved independents from The Pudding Stop in St Albans to Cloud 9 in Brighton. 'It's a nice chit-chat place,' says Ria, 24, emerging from a lunchtime stop at a London outpost of one of the UK's biggest chains, Creams, with two friends. 'Especially if you are craving something sweet. It's a Friday treat at a decent price.' 'I've noticed it's becoming a bigger thing,' says Gemma Saunders, 46, who's just bought gelato with her daughter Elizabeth, 13. 'It's a nice alternative to going out drinking and more and more people aren't drinking. It's quite a family place.' 'I can meet my friends in places like this,' adds Elizabeth. 'It's less expensive than going out for pizza.' The last couple of years have been challenging, as the rising cost of dairy products plus higher energy and wage bills have combined with falling visitor numbers to high streets and shopping malls. However, Creams – which has 93 outlets, almost all of which are run by franchisees – is back on the expansion trail with plans for about 10 new outlets this year, and a similar number next year. The menu features the Hot 'n' Cold Chocolate Fudge Volcano, the Lemon Meringue Cheesecakundae, the Birthday Cake Loaded Shake and hot waffles topped with Oreo, Bueno and Speculoos. The company – which opened its first outlet in Southall in 2011, has its own Gelato factory in Dagenham and makes its waffle mix in Dunstable – is exploring new types of venues in cinemas and travel hubs, such as train stations. It is also testing two sites in Tesco supermarkets and is in talks to go international, with the Middle East or the US a likely first step. Rival company Kaspa's, which has about 100 outlets, has also been on the expansion trail, opening its first central London venue last year, while younger challenger Heavenly Desserts, which has 60 outlets in the UK after recent openings in London and Middlesbrough, is aiming for 100 by next year, with plans for outlets in Bedford, Basildon and Manchester. At the more upmarket end of the scene, Bristol company Swoon Gelato has expanded to Oxford and Bath, and now has a spot in Selfridges department store in London, putting dessert firmly on the fashion menu. Arguably, the concept of a dessert specialist goes back to the early 20th century with the likes of Bettys in Harrogate or Lyons Tea Rooms, or the ice-cream parlours that began opening across the UK from the late 19th century. However, the likes of Creams, Kaspa's and Heavenly Desserts have given desserts-only venues a youthful twist – with a mix of cakes, waffles, crepes and gelato – aimed at those who want an alternative to the pub or more staid atmosphere of coffee shops and tearooms, which often close at 4pm. Since Creams opened its first outlet in 2011, the dessert shop has become a meeting point for a wide array of British society, from kids and teens, who take over such venues as a place to hang out after school or in the early evening, to family groups and other non-drinkers searching for an alcohol-free place to socialise into the evening, to gen Z mates who increasingly favour booze-free venues and have an eye for the pop of colour an elaborate dessert can add to their social media feeds. At Creams, the decor is reminiscent of a night club, with black walls and spotlights helping to highlight the bubblegum-bright colours of its gelato. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion 'It is a very democratic meeting place,' says Kien Tan, senior retail adviser at PricewaterhouseCoopers, who puts dessert cafes in the same category as bubble tea venues. 'It is an affordable sweet treat, especially for people who don't drink alcohol. During the day there can be a cosy club crowd of older people who want an unthreatening place to have a treat.' A spokesperson for Heavenly Desserts said it primarily attracts 18- to 35-year-olds. 'While we welcome guests of all ages, it's this younger demographic that most strongly connects with the brand and continues to drive our growth. As a brand, we benefit from the growing desire among younger people for mindful, alcohol-free social experiences,' a spokesperson said. Everett Fieldgate, the chief executive of Creams, says you might find a different demographic attacking the waffles and ice-creams depending on the time of day you enter one of the company's outlets, which open as late as 3am in some locations. The Australian is giving the brand a new spin with a lighter look intended to appeal more to twentysomethings, families and daytime punters. He has also introduced a healthier range of items – including fruit skewers, albeit drizzled in chocolate – as families try to dial down their sugar intake. 'Consumers are definitely holding back, and they're being very careful with where and how they're spending money,' says Fieldgate. He says some consumers are looking to cut their spending on their favourite treat while others are downsizing from a meal out to just dessert and Creams is 'benefiting from both'. Fieldgate says Creams is also benefiting from the trend for some consumers to take time out – permanently or temporarily – from drinking alcohol, saying to friends, as he puts it: 'Let's go somewhere where I'm not going to be tempted.' In the cost of living crisis, such dessert places may not be cheap, with Creams' Hot 'N' Cold Chocolate Fudge Volcano Sundae costing £10.95, but they are so massive they can be shared and the whole experience is likely to cost less than a full meal out. Fieldgate says 2025 has started well, with sales helped by the warm sunny weather, although he says the group is 'keeping a close eye on costs' and being careful to ensure new sites are viable amid higher business rates and wages. He says the hospitality industry needs more help from government to revive high streets and help it fight back against online shopping. 'People are holding on by the skin of their teeth because of poor consumer confidence and the constantly increasing cost of doing business,' he says.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Guildford council trials night-time economy parking scheme
Night-time economy workers in Guildford will be able to park for less as part of a new Borough Council says it is rolling out parking permits for people working in pubs, clubs and restaurants which will let them park for less between 15:00 and 07:00 all scheme, a collaboration between the council and Experience Guildford, is currently limited to 100 annual permits priced at £150 as part of a trial from June until May Houston, Guildford lead council for commercial services, said: "We believe it will greatly benefit our night-time economy by providing affordable parking options when public transport is not available." Under the scheme, companies in Guildford can apply for permits on behalf of their staff. The permits are then tied to a car's registration permits will allow staff to park in eight car parks across the town: Bedford Road multi-storey, Bedford Road surface, Bright Hill, G Live, High Street, Leapale Road, Mary Road and Masters, chief executive of Experience Guildford, said: "This initiative offers affordable, secure parking for employees finishing late, helping businesses attract and retain the talent that keeps Guildford's evenings vibrant."
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
How women can get started in a taxi jobs or bouncer roles & save UK's nightlife
SUNEMPLOYMENT Read on to find out five common email phrases to avoid Published : 22:09, 22 May 2025 Updated : 22:09, 22 May 2025 THIS Bank Holiday weekend will see spending in pubs, clubs and restaurants soar by ten per cent, as the nation makes the most of the extra day off. But with the cost-of-living crisis, living wage hikes and employers' National Insurance payments, the sector faces serious challenges. 5 Lisa Baskott, who is 55 and from Worthing, East Sussex, is the founder of a female security agency Credit: Supplied 5 Cabbie Ellie Knapp, 32, from New Eltham in south-east London, is campaigning for more women to get behind the wheel Credit: Supplied Although the 'night-time economy' is worth £153billion to UK coffers, research by the Night Time Industries Association shows the country has lost 37 per cent of its nightclubs since 2020, while six pubs are closing every week. So what can be done? Currently 36 per cent of young people feel unsafe at night. Eighty-one per cent of women back improved safety in bars and clubs, so the answer could lie in more female security staff and taxi drivers. Official figures show women make up just 11 per cent of the UK's security workforce and seven per cent of cab drivers — but encouraging more females into the sector could up visitor numbers. Ellie Knapp, 32, from New Eltham in south-east London, is campaigning for more women to get behind the wheel. The black-cab driver for taxi app Freenow said: 'I love being my own boss. I can work as much or as little as I need to, and take my holidays when I want. 'People love that I'm a woman in a male-dominated field, and that is something I am proud of. 'I occasionally get a surprised look from clients, but people are genuinely interested and want to see more female drivers.' Lisa Baskott, 55, from Worthing, East Sussex, is the founder of a female-friendly security agency. She said: 'When women are visible on the door and the venue's security, it sends a message that safety and inclusivity are priorities. 'It creates a more welcoming atmosphere and can change the whole vibe of a venue for the better. 'One of the biggest misconceptions about being a door supervisor, or any other security role, is that you need to be a big, burly bloke. 'The qualities you really need are more about character and mindset than muscles.' As well as protecting pubs and clubs, female security staff are in high demand for other events, from music festivals to corporate conferences and VIP personal protection. 5 Lisa, with her team, says security is not all about having muscles Credit: Supplied Once fully qualified and experienced, the job can also provide a springboard into other areas. Skills learnt include communication, conflict resolution, quick thinking and teamwork. Security staff move on to work in venue management, event planning, policing or health and safety roles. Lisa adds: 'Change is happening — I see more women joining every month and more organisations waking up to the benefits of a diverse security team. GET STARTED IN SECURITY BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITIES: Confidence is key and you don't have to be 'one of the lads' to fit in. Skills like communication, empathy and resilience are what the industry needs. Confidence is key and you don't have to be 'one of the lads' to fit in. Skills like communication, empathy and resilience are what the industry needs. QUALIFY AND KEEP LEARNING: You need to obtain an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence then additional training such as first aid and self-defence. You need to obtain an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence then additional training such as first aid and self-defence. FIND MENTORS AND ALLIES: Reach out to other women in the industry as there are formal and informal networks. Most of the industry is male, and many of them are incredibly supportive and want to see more women succeed, so find male allies too. Reach out to other women in the industry as there are formal and informal networks. Most of the industry is male, and many of them are incredibly supportive and want to see more women succeed, so find male allies too. JOIN PROFESSIONAL BODIES OR FORUMS: It's valuable to learn from others' experiences. It's valuable to learn from others' experiences. USE UNIQUE STRENGTHS: Women often bring different qualities to security – perhaps a calmer tone, a talent for defusing conflict with words, or being more approachable to certain patrons. Leverage that. Women often bring different qualities to security – perhaps a calmer tone, a talent for defusing conflict with words, or being more approachable to certain patrons. Leverage that. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: This job can be demanding, so look after your wellbeing. HOW TO MAIL LIKE A PRO... YOU may think it's a polite email, but could it be upsetting your colleague? Almost two thirds of staff believe poor communication is a problem at their work. 5 Employment specialist Renae Shaw shares five common email phrases to avoid and suggests more user-friendly alternatives for each Credit: Supplied With the average employee spending five hours a week answering emails, HR experts are warning workers to improve their etiquette when sending messages. Here employment specialist Renae Shaw, from retailer Furniture At Work, shares five common email phrases to avoid and suggests more user-friendly alternatives for each. 1. AS PER MY LAST EMAIL: This is the corporate equivalent of 'I already told you this' and can feel passive-aggressive or critical. Instead, try using: 'Just following up on the email I sent (day/time) regarding (topic)…' This more direct and friendly follow-up shows you are referencing a past message without implying blame. 2. URGENT!: Slapping this on everything is a fast track to being ignored. Being specific about the timeline and expectations is more effective and respectful of others' workloads. A better version is: 'Flagging this as important' before specifying the deadline . 3. I HOPE THIS EMAIL FINDS YOU WELL: Let's be honest, no one has ever replied 'Thanks! It did!' Although polite, this phrase can feel impersonal or overly formal. Instead use something like 'I hope you're having a good week so far', which is less formal. Or skip it altogether as your colleague may appreciate the efficiency. 4. REATTACHING FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: This phrase can come off as passive-aggressive, as it implies the recipient didn't read the document the first time. Instead consider: 'I've reattached the document here in case it's helpful'. 5. ANY UPDATES ON THIS?: This wording can feel abrupt or demanding of the other person's time. Consider softening it with: 'Just checking in to see if there's been any progress on this – no rush if you're still working on it.' JOBSPOT HERE are posts that could be right up your street. Lingerie store Boux Avenue is recruiting sales assistants, store managers and a social media manager. See BE A HIGH-FLYER TRAINING to become a pilot can cost up to £100,000, but Jet2's new fully-funded programme lets you take to the skies for free. With places for up to 60 aspiring pilots, the training course aims to boost social mobility and promote diversity within the profession. Applicants need at least five GCSEs at grade four or above, including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications. Steve Heapy, CEO of said: 'We know that the cost of training is an obstacle to many people who dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, so we are very proud to announce this groundbreaking programme.' Apply at JOBSPOT THINK you have an eye for what's bang on trend and know how to sell? Fashion chain Dune has vacancies now for store managers and supervisors. You can search at GIG FOR VICTORY ALL aboard for a new career as a shipwright, with women more than welcome. The National Museum of the Royal Navy is seeking a shipwright heritage carpenter to work in Portsmouth as part of the team preserving HMS Victory, the world's oldest commissioned ship. 5 Shipwright Betzy Shell Credit: National Museum of the Royal Navy Applicants need a Level 3 City & Guilds Boatbuilding and specialist knowledge of construction of maritime joinery. Clementine Mollier, lead shipwright on HMS Victory said: 'It's not just a job for the men. There are brilliant female shipbuilders, who should be role models for the next generation.' Apply at by Sunday, June 1.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Northampton retains Purple Flag award for safe nightlife
A town has retained its Purple Flag status for the sixth year running, recognising its safe, vibrant and well-managed night-time has had the award, which is held by just 90 places globally, since were particularly impressed with safety initiatives such as Ask for Angela, and Safer Routes Home, which provides a safe path from the town centre back to the University's Waterside Nicola Davis-Lyons, of Northamptonshire Police, said: "I think the award is something to be proud of." The Purple Flag award is given to towns and cities that show excellence in managing their evening and night-time offer while ensuring visitor businesses have also welcomed the recognition. Chris Evans, director at the Royal & Derngate theatre, said: "To be a part of the 90 places across the world, and to see the impact that [the Purple Flag award] will have on businesses and the night-time economy, it's fantastic, it sets the bar."Ian Gardener, who runs The Cordwainer pub in the town centre, added: "I think Northampton is fantastic. We're busier now than we've ever been. I've got my three kids here and I wouldn't want to move to anywhere else." 'Lot more confident' Speaking about measures to improve safety, Mr Gardener added: "We have door staff who act as a deterrent. We have the Ask for Angela scheme – anyone that's in trouble, we can get them the support they need. "[The town centre stabbing yesterday] unfortunately does happen, but it's a societal problem, it's nothing to do with Northampton as being a particular issue."He also said students now feel "a lot more confident" going out at night, thanks to safer routes and improved lighting brought in through the Purple Flag scheme. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
